1. Bird flu misconceptions: Michael Greger, M.D., author of "Bird
Flu: A Virus of its Own Hatching" shares the most common misconceptions
about the bird flu and clarifies the truth surrounding this issue.

3. Male fertility news:
A new study in Human Reproduction suggests
that a pregnant woman’s meat consumption can reduce her future son’s
sperm count. The study carried out by researchers at the University of
Rochester analyzed the relationship between various sperm parameters of
387 men and the eating habits of their mothers from the Study for Future
Families. The more beef a mother consumed, the lower her son’s sperm
concentration. Researches believe that the difference may be due to
steroid hormones found in animal products.

4. (RSV) James 1:12
"Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a
one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord
has promised to those who love him."

By focusing on Jesus’ teachings of compassion and love we are more
capable of resisting scapegoating and victimization of God’s creatures.
A plant-based diet helps to be compassionate and loving to God’s
animals.

5. Rise in seafood poisoning: Michael Casey, environmental reporter,
writes an eye-opening article regarding one more implication with
global-warming: the rise of seafood poisoning rates. The reason seems to
be that when oceans are warmed by the greenhouse effect and fouled by
toxic runoff, coral reefs are damaged and poison algae thrives. In turn,
fish that live near coral reefs get contaminated. More specifically,
scientist are concerned about ciguatera poisoning, a rarely fatal but
growing menace from eating exotic fish. Currently, there is no reliable
way to detect whether a fish has ciguatera and no antidote, either.

Our moral failure to be good stewards of God’s Creation is causing
misery to us and the rest of creatures. Global warming is affecting the
Earth and its creatures negatively. The transition to a plant-based diet
can contribute greatly to the restoration of the environment, and in
participating in the reconciliation of God’s Creation.

6. New findings on breast cancer and red meat link: According to the
study led by Professor Janet Cade of the University of Leeds (printed on
the British Journal of Cancer), even small amounts of red meat can
greatly increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. The study involved
studying the diets of 35,000 women aged between 35 and 69 for eight
years. Regarding the study Professor Cade said, "The findings are
robust. Whatever we adjusted the data for we could find an association."
Not surprisingly, Sandy Crombie, chairman of the Scottish region of The
Guild of Q Butchers, referred to the findings as "rubbish".